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The Raven

Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26
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As illness tightens its grip, something darker begins to stir.

England, 1665. As plague ravages London and fear spreads north to York, Martin Blake, a humble cobbler, struggles to protect his family through a bitter, death-shadowed winter. When the parish rector, his wife’s domineering uncle, forces orphaned children from London into their already meager home, Martin’s fragile world begins to unravel.

Grief, illness, and the weight of buried sins close in. Ravens gather. Martin’s reason begins to slip. Whispers spread—of misused alms, of spirits that roam at night, of faith twisted into something monstrous. As snow blankets the land and the dead lie unburied, Martin must confront a chilling truth: is he haunted by guilt, or by something far more sinister?

A gothic tale of illness, obsession, and the perilous border between loyalty and madness.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 8, 2026

28 people want to read

About the author

Susan McCauley

16 books277 followers
Susan McCauley is an award-winning author who writes gothic horror, ghost stories, and folklore-driven fantasy for middle grade, YA, and adult readers, exploring faith, fear, and the darker costs of history.

To learn more, visit her on the web at www.sbmccauley.com

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Jackson Proffitt.
37 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2026
First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC copy of the book.

This was a heart wrenching but beautiful example of gothic horror. A protagonist you can’t help but feel for as he descends into madness and a truly disgusting antagonist who you spend the entire book praying gets his comeuppance.

This is my first work by McCauley but she is clearly talented and can weave an engaging narrative with fleshed out characters. Certainly would recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre.
Profile Image for Ryan Burnell.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 19, 2026
‘If you enjoy horror movies that have more depth and less jump-scares, this book is for you!’

The Raven is what I would summarise as a love-child of Ken Follett’s ‘Pillars Of The Earth’ and Susan Hill’s ‘The Woman In Black’. Exactly what you’d expect from a 17th Century, dark, folkloric novel. Full of eeriness and strange happenings and leaning on religion and the Great Plague, the author leads you on a journey of ups, downs, hope, and despair, to the point where you yourself question if what just happened, did actually happen!

Plot: 7/10
Although fairly simple, the story is engaging throughout and keeps the reader engrossed through every page – even if it you get the feeling of the inevitable. I personally felt like it was a little bit of a slow start, but once I was around 25% in, I got into the rhythm and flew through the rest.

Characters: 7/10
If I had to rate this section JUST based on Martin alone, it would be a 9. The depth of character building with him was excellent, you really get a sense of what the man is going through. The other characters, although well written, were sometimes a little harder to remember – and I personally had to keep referring to previous chapters to remember who was who, and what their relation was.

Worldbuilding: 7/10
Not much to say on worldbuilding really. It’s set predominantly in Yorkshire, but I feel it could’ve been anywhere that isn’t London really and it still would’ve worked. General sense of darkness was profound throughout the book, but apart from a few notable landmarks, you could be anywhere between Scotland and Cambridge – not a bad thing at all though, just to note.

Writing Style: 8/10
Easy read, easy language used, very free flowing - overall solid page-turner. The author does a fantastic job at making you detest a character, then feel sorry for them, then detest them all over again! The suspense that is built up where needed was very well done and I like to think that this is a very strong point of the author.

Summary
Overall, I will say I thoroughly enjoyed The Raven. This is simply a dark, folklore novel that was done very well. Although just over 200 pages, you get a true depth of the story and the characters, without feeling like anything was rushed or skipped over. If you enjoy horror movies that have more depth and less jump-scares, this book is for you! It certainly makes me want to explore more of Susan McCauley’s works!

Overall rating: 7/10
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,850 reviews43 followers
Read
March 20, 2026
182 pages

The year is 1665.

This is a sad, tragic story about a man who slowly goes mad. It is heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. Martin Blake is a man who is married to Susanna. They have a young son. Martin would do anything for the pair. His love for them is incomparable. They live in a small village in York, far away from the pestilence that is rampaging London.

Martin and his family don’t have much. He is a poor cobbler and only has occasional work. On his way home, he accidentally kills a Raven. Its mate stares at him from a nearby tree. A bitter winter brings five orphan children to their home. They have very little to share, with the stingy stipend for the additional children from the local church, they don’t have enough. The rector of the church, Susanna’s uncle, is a terrible, unforgiving man.

Martin’s guilt, unspoken secrets and poverty take their toll. Martin is losing his grip.

A series of tragedies compound his stress. Martin suffers a complete breakdown. He no longer has a sense of reality.

Influenced by religion, his delusions become manifest.

Martin’s story is very sad, but important in terms of an individual’s mental health. I read the book in one sitting. I found it tragic and engrossing. This book will stay with me for some time. I was fascinated witnessing Martin’s slow descent into madness. The characters in this story are brilliant. The protagonists are fully fleshed out. Their motivations are clear and consistent with their personalities.

I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer - Celtic Sea LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this thoughtful book. The opinions I’ve expressed in this review are solely my own.
Profile Image for Anna.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 12, 2026
The Raven by Susan McCauley is a haunting historical horror novel set in the 17th century that blends gothic atmosphere with the feeling of a dark folk tale. Despite the historical setting, the language is very accessible and easy to follow, which made the story immersive without feeling heavy or difficult to read.

One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the shifting point of view between characters within the same scene. Seeing the same moment from different perspectives adds emotional depth and makes the tension between characters feel very real.

The story follows a family trying to get by and survive a harsh winter, but small moments and uneasy dynamics quickly create a sense of foreboding. An accidental killing of a raven, seen as a bad omen, casts a shadow over everything that follows. As the family takes in orphaned children fleeing plague-stricken London, the tension continues to build.

The novel has the tone of a dark Grimm-style tale where events slowly spiral out of control. Paranoia, superstition, hunger, and power begin to shape the characters’ choices, and the line between fear, delusion, and reality becomes increasingly blurred.

What makes the story especially unsettling is that the true horror often comes from people rather than anything supernatural. The atmosphere is haunting, and the sense of tragedy building throughout the book keeps you turning the pages even as you wish the characters could escape what feels inevitable.

The ending felt satisfying and fitting for the story, bringing the themes together in a way that stayed true to the dark tone of the book.

This is clearly a well-researched novel with a strong historical backdrop. Because of some darker themes, readers may appreciate trigger warnings, but overall it’s a compelling and atmospheric read for fans of gothic historical fiction.

Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ryan.
37 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 16, 2026
England, 1665. Plague is spreading. Ravens are gathering. And one man's grip on reality is slipping... slowly, terrifyingly, and completely believably. The Raven by Susan McCauley is gothic horror done right.

Martin Blake is a humble cobbler in York, doing his best to keep his family alive through a brutal, death-haunted winter. When his wife's domineering uncle, the parish rector, forces orphaned children from plague-ravaged London into their already stretched home, Martin's fragile world begins to fracture at the seams. Grief piles on illness, illness piles on guilt, and guilt piles on something darker... The ravens gather. The whispers spread. And Martin can no longer tell whether he's being haunted by his own sins or by something genuinely sinister.


The atmosphere here is suffocating in the best possible way. McCauley evokes 17th-century England with an authenticity that feels lived-in... the biting cold, the creeping dread, the isolation of a community slowly being consumed by plague. Fans of gothic horror will likely find echoes of Edgar Allan Poe in the slow-building psychological unease.


Martin is a quietly compelling protagonist. He's not a hero... he's a man with buried sins and too many mouths to feed, which makes his unravelling all the more affecting. The supporting characters, particularly the rector, are sharply drawn, and the central tension between faith, guilt, and superstition gives the story real thematic weight.


If you love gothic horror, unreliable narrators, and historical settings that feel like they could swallow you whole, The Raven is well worth picking up.


Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Susan McCauley for providing an advance copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.


#TheRaven #NetGalley

3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 25, 2026
The Raven takes place in the year 1665, a time of turmoil for England, with thousands dying of the Bubonic Plague.

McCauley’s short novel is set just outside of York, in the North of the country, with deprivation and the threat of Plague spreading from the capital looming.

It’s clear that the author carried out a lot of research, ensuring that her writing is historically accurate. I’m a former History teacher and couldn’t find fault, which was refreshing.

The characters are well written, with depth and emotion. The protagonist, Martin Blake (a cobbler) lives with his wife, Susanna, and young son, Thomas. Thomas, we discover, was born out of wedlock; forcing the couple into exile and poverty. Their little home is threadbare but warm; a focal point as they face jeopardy on all fronts.

Other characters include Susanna’s repugnant uncle, Elliot (the avaricious parish rector) and her beloved brother, Nicholas (an impoverished curate). The Blakes are charged with caring for four children, orphaned by the Plague. These extra mouths add to the pressure faced by Martin and his family.

The story begins with Martin inadvertently killing a raven, which leads to a sequence of events that cause him to cling to all he holds dear and ultimately question reality.

The birds are featured throughout as a portent of danger. The book is part fantasy, part gothic horror and is not a comforting read. In fact, as the story progresses, the text becomes a little chaotic and jarring but this could be a device to reflect the mental state of the protagonist. I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the book but found the last a little challenging. Saying that, I am keen to read more from Susan McCauley and would recommend this title to fans of alternative historical fantasy.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Book Whisperer, for the advance copy to review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,051 reviews97 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 18, 2026
The Raven unfolds in 1665 England, a landscape already hollowed out by plague and fear, and the novel captures that suffocating dread with striking elegance. Martin Blake, a humble cobbler in York, is simply trying to keep his family alive through a winter thick with death. But when his domineering uncle—the parish rector—forces orphaned London children into their cramped home, the fragile balance of Martin’s world begins to crack.

The story moves with a slow, chilling inevitability. Grief settles like frost. Illness creeps closer. Ravens gather on rooftops as if waiting for something. And Martin’s mind, already strained by buried sins and unspoken guilt, begins to slip. The whispers around town—of misused alms, of spirits roaming at night, of faith twisted into cruelty—blur the line between superstition and something genuinely supernatural.

What makes the novel so compelling is the way it holds that tension: is Martin haunted by the plague, by his conscience, or by something far more sinister? The snowbound setting, the unburied dead, the oppressive weight of religion and fear—all of it builds a world where madness feels like a natural response.

It’s a dark, immersive read, rich with gothic unease and the quiet terror of a man who no longer trusts his own mind. A beautifully written descent into obsession, loyalty, and the shadows we carry.

With thanks to Susan McCauley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
The Raven is a chilling and atmospheric gothic horror novel set in plague stricken England in 1665. Susan McCauley blends historical realism with a dark, folk tale mood, creating a story that feels both authentic and haunting.
At the center is Martin Blake, a humble cobbler whose life begins to unravel as illness, grief, and guilt close in on his family. When his domineering uncle, the local rector, forces orphaned children from London into their already strained household, the tension grows unbearable. Ravens gather, whispers spread, and Martin’s grip on reality slowly fractures.
One of the novel’s strengths is its shifting point of view, which adds emotional depth without disrupting the flow. Despite its brevity, the book delivers powerful, unsettling moments and a constant sense of dread. The true horror often comes not from the supernatural, but from fear, superstition, and human cruelty.
McCauley’s writing is accessible yet richly atmospheric, making the harsh winter, the creeping paranoia, and the historical setting feel vividly alive. The ending ties the themes together in a way that feels both dark and fitting.
A gripping, eerie read for anyone who enjoys gothic tales.
Profile Image for Elle  .
107 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 11, 2026
If you're looking for a read that drips with atmosphere, Susan McCauley’s The Raven delivers a hauntingly beautiful blend of Gothic mystery and supernatural suspense.

The Atmosphere
The cover art perfectly captures the book's essence: dark, intricate, and slightly ominous. McCauley excels at building a world where the shadows feel alive. The setting is practically a character itself, draped in a "dark academia" aesthetic that feels both classic and fresh.

Plot & Pacing
The story is tightly woven, leaning heavily into the symbolism of the raven—traditionally a harbinger of both wisdom and death.

The Hook: It pulls you in with an immediate sense of unease.

The Mystery: The breadcrumbs are laid out expertly, making it a "just one more chapter" kind of experience.

The Tone: It strikes a great balance between eerie tension and emotional depth.

Final Verdict
The Raven is a must-read for fans of Gothic horror . It’s atmospheric, moody, and stays with you long after the final page is turned.
Profile Image for Kate.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 13, 2026
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but the historical setting and the ominous sounding description intrigued me.
Turns out I just found the perfect book to read on a gloomy, rainy day!

The vibe, the setting and the story are everything you could want from a gothic horror.
The atmosphere is eery, dark and foreboding right from the start and a constant feeling of dread and unease followed my throughout the whole book.
I was not prepared for how gut-wrenching and heart-breaking this story would be. It's brutal, terrifying and I love how it didn't hold back from delivering shocking and disturbing scenes.

Even though it's quite a short book, it really packs a punch and makes you truly care for our main characters.
The way the POV shifts multiple times during chapters without breaking the flow of the story is something I haven't read before and it made for a very immersive and gripping storytelling.

I would definitely recommend this to everyone who enjoys atmospheric, dark gothic tales and/or horror with folklore elements.
Profile Image for Qaaa~4.
69 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 18, 2026
advanced review courtesy of NetGalley

A gothic horror dripping with Christian guilt and the overbearing fear of pestilence in 1600s England. Susan McCauley writes a passionate tale of loss, guilt, and greed with detail that fully immerses the reader.

*plot spoilers*

After the untimely passing of Martin's wife and child, he is forced into an unrelenting torment whilst still caring for three children fleeing London from the ongoing plague. Martin is haunted by not only his deceased family but by the guilts of his past as he keeps a secret his late wife bound him to.
Profile Image for Toni Richardson.
10 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

I’d rate this 3.5 out of 5 stars. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. it had a strong and engaging premise that kept me interested throughout. The plot idea/premise wasn’t entirely original as the story was set during the plague but it had some great and original aspects to it that stood out While there were a few parts of the book that could have been delved into a little deeper, it was still an enjoyable read and one I’m glad I picked up.
Profile Image for nelly (LIAM NOOOOO!).
188 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 27, 2026
REVIEW OF AN ADVANCED COPY RECEIVED BY NETGALLEY

my first susan mccauley book and i gotta say im amazed. this was a heartbreaking story about a man named martin, who slowly goes mad. the first 24% were a bit of a struggle but after that i just flew through it… what i loved about this book is that fact that even tho it is under 200 pages you get a full plot and feel satisfied- at least i did cuz theres this depth to the story that not every book has.
Profile Image for Theresa Ryan.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 14, 2026
The cover sets the tone of an eerie feeling throughout the story when the ravens appear.

The story is captivating and keeps you intrigued, wondering if the secret which has been kept for years will finally come to light to all. It shows grief and how people struggle to let go of loved ones.

Definitely worth the read.

Thanks for the opportunity to have an advanced copy to read.
Profile Image for jiitter.bug24reads.
74 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 26, 2026
THANK YOU NETGALLEY FOR AN ADVANCED COPY!

this book was so good, it was dark - loyal and loving. haunting gripping. The way Martin loved his wife jumped off the pages 😍 and the ravens 🖤🐦‍⬛ come on, so cool. while this book is short, it will stick with me. I will definitely read more from this author, as this was my first.
Profile Image for Tara Brown.
16 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 13, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and author, Susan McCauley for this early ARC. I loved this book. The author does a phenomenal job of setting the scene and making you feel like you're all the way back in the 1600s. I really enjoyed the historical aspect. This was a quick read that I couldn't put down
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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